Better late than never, I guess. The sad thing is, it is only because we're headed off on another trip to the other Grandma and Grandpa's house that I'm finally downloading pictures from the Thanksgiving trip!!

Andrea, Isaiah and JoshuaMarcie, Lizzy and Josh

Uncle Jonny and Nephew Joshua

Liz, Angie, and Jen (looking weird)

Uncle Dave and Josh

One of the Thanksgiving tables, all decked out before the guests arrive

We're planning a road trip to visit Grandpa and Grandma over the holidays, so I figured I better bring the car in to get checked out, tuned up, and make sure its road worthy so we don't end up having a white Christmas at a motel somewhere between our house and theirs. Instead of bringing the car to the dealership like we usually do, I opted to bring the car to a friend from our church. I brought the car in this morning, and within just a few hours, I'd received a call back, saying the car was good to go!!

Not only did my car get tuned up within just a few hours, but I also had a straight forward discussion with the mechanic on the status of my vehicle. However, what I appreciated most was being able to trust him to do only the repairs that were necessary and to be charged a reasonable amount for the work that was done. I was so pleased!

I don't know the last time that I brought my car in (even for just an oil change) that I didn't feel like I was being convinced that I needed to have "life and death" repairs done that later turned out to be unnecessary, or was charged $29.95 for the hinge to be oiled on the gas tank cover. I know that fixing cars is their livelihood too, but I often feel like many mechanics are more out to make a buck than to provide honest work. What a delight and answer to prayer to find someone who loves to work on cars, and cares about the people he does business with.

Friday, November 14, 2008

After we finished dinner and devotions this evening, I cleared the table and started working on the dishes. The boys were playing happily in the family room, or so I thought. I guess Josh wasn't quite finished eating, because he crawled back into the kitchen to work on the crumbs that had fallen on the floor. Fortunately for all of us, I had swept the floor earlier today while the boys were napping-- so the crumbs were slim picking.

Isaiah followed Josh into the kitchen, and seemed to think that Josh was playing "house." So he joined his younger brother under the table for a fun game. They played under the table for quite a while-- Josh searching for spare Cheerios and trying to climb up on chairs, and Isaiah trying to figure out how to avoid Mom and her camera. It was so sweet to seem them "playing" together.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Our cousin Kathleen (Marcie's sister) also came out for the weekend, making the gingerbread party extra special. It had been over a year since we last saw Kathleen, so it was really nice to see her and catch up. We enjoyed Christian fellowship, good food and long talks mingled with play time with the boys. Isaiah and Joshua really enjoyed spending time with Kathleen. Joshua couldn't help but look up at his beautiful cousin with looks of admiration. Isaiah quickly created a special bond with Kathleen, and within moments it was as though they had been friends all their lives. It was so sweet to see Isaiah reach up and grab her hand, or snuggle into her lap without a second thought.

Our housemate, Marcie, had a birthday this past week, so we decided to celebrate with a gingerbread party. We invited a group of friends over for the special occasion. Each guest was given a handmade gingerbread house (a la Marcie) to decorate with bright and colorful candy designs. Isaiah got his own house to decorate as well. He came downstairs after his nap with a look of amazement. At first it seemed that he thought, "So this is what the grown-ups do when I'm in bed." But the shock quickly turned to awe "Is Mom really going to let me loose with this much candy around??" It was so precious, and I think it resembled the way most of us adults felt initially too. With the table covered with bowls of candy of every kind, cups of frosting, and gingerbread galore, it was hard not to feel excited at the prospects of decorating (and eating) these lovely houses!

The birthday guests

Isaiah, just waking up from his nap

Decorating in action

Almost done

The finished product *note Isaiah cannot take his eyes off his gingerbread house*

Monday, November 3, 2008

Potty training, thats the phrase for the day. I've said the phrase countless times today, and now Isaiah is running around saying it as well. Although...sigh... he doesn't really seem to be getting its full import. All day we have been unsuccessful in our mission! It appears that to him, potty training means sitting on the potty reading books, forget actually DOING anything in the potty. I'm trying not to feel too discouraged, but I was hoping that we'd at least have ONE successful trip to the bathroom by now.

I've been setting the timer, and putting him on his little potty chair every 30 minutes. He is more than happy to oblige. We read a book, or sit quietly. He gets rewards for dry underwear and for sitting on the potty. I was planning on increasing the rewards for success, but it hasn't happened yet!! He is wearing real underwear, so he feels wet. I'm pushing fluids so he needs to go often. It seems like everything should be going well, but there is some kind of disconnect when he sits on the potty. Like its just a neat little chair where mom spoils him with attention...

Its been a very tiring morning, and I was very thankful when naptime arrived and I could put the diaper back on.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

While talking on the phone with my sister Jennifer, Joshua quite rudely interrupted the conversation. Apparently the cell phone was just too tasty to ignore!! Both of our boys have always been very interested in phones. From the time Isaiah was little, he loved chewing, playing, and of course pressing buttons on the phone. As he got older he started to enjoy yelling "Hello!!" when the phone would ring, and then began to love talking on the phone itself. Joshua is also showing early interest!

However, in this age of technology, where even 2nd graders have their own cell phones, I wonder what I'm setting my boys up for? I understand the benefits of cell phones--its great to be able to make and receive calls regardless of where you are. But I also recognize that despite the conveniences, there are certainly some down sides. Cell phones are often too convenient and keep us from planning ahead. Instead of making a good shopping list, I can call home to see whats in the fridge. Instead of taking a map or looking up directions, I can call when I get lost. It is definitely a convenience, and those are all reasons why I like to have a cell phone, but I just can't buy into 7 and 8 year old's (or even 13 and 14 year old's), having their own cell phones. Maybe I'm just not up to date enough myself, or maybe I fear that we're setting up our children for a lifetime of poor organization and laziness.

Monday, October 20, 2008

This past weekend, Marcie and I decided to make use of the gorgeous weather-- so we headed up the mountain to enjoy God's beautiful creation and get some exercise while we were at it. I had been putting off hiking for quite some time, not because I dislike it (I love hiking!!), but because of the logistics of bringing two little boys along for the ride. However, it being such a fine October day, and being well aware of the fact that there might not be too many more 75 degree Saturdays, we had to least make an attempt!!

So off we went. Marcie carried Joshua in the front carrier/pack, and I carried Isaiah in the Kelty backpack (thank you, Frits and Annemiek!!). It was quite a workout. I think we hiked roughly 3 miles, maybe a little more, but with us each touting 25+ pounds of chunky children, it was some good exercise for sure! We really enjoyed it. The mountains were alive with fall colors of red, orange, yellow, and green. It was so beautiful! The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork-- Psalm 19:1